/ My Story /
From patient to practitioner
Since I was 16, I’ve been struggling with uncommon inflammatory symptoms, beginning with recurring Erythema Nodosum. Ten years later, Reactive Arthritis followed — marking the start of various types of pain that gradually spread throughout my body.
The physical distress and sensations I experienced daily were difficult to describe to anyone who had never felt them. Living in the dark for years about what was happening in my own body, without any sense of control, often felt as though my body was letting me down.
Following extensive hospital visits and countless tests, I was close to losing hope of ever finding answers. At last, a diagnosis was confirmed — Spondyloarthritis, specifically Ankylosing Spondylitis, an autoimmune condition that causes joint inflammation and leads to progressive spinal stiffness, especially after prolonged periods of inactivity.
With a diagnosis finally in hand, I was placed on various therapies, ranging from corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to being recommended biologic treatments. While these options aimed to manage the symptoms, I felt a strong need to look beyond medication alone. I didn’t want to accept that I would rely solely on medication for the rest of my life without exploring what I could do from my side to support my body.
In search of answers, I experimented with multiple rounds of extreme dietary changes—some of which negatively affected my digestive system—and explored various health habits, all while continuing to experience flares and discomfort.
What began as a way to cope soon evolved into a way of living, becoming the foundation and priority around which I now organise my life.
A strong foundation for the progress that followed came from the expertise I gained from someone who played a crucial role in my support system - my personal trainer. A former professional athlete, kinesiologist, and psychologist, she offered a rare combination of physical expertise and psychological insight. She herself lives with an autoimmune condition, a rare form of muscle atrophy. Having someone beside me who truly understood the challenges and fluctuations I experienced on a monthly, weekly, daily, and even hourly basis made an immeasurable difference.
When training a body with a specific condition, proper guidance is non-negotiable. This is not a typical fitness journey where the goal is simply to look better; the true aim is to restore and maintain function, and consequently, to feel better. Alongside movement, fostering a healthy relationship with food and making thoughtful lifestyle adjustments play a key role in supporting and sustaining your progress.
The benefits of this work extend far beyond the physical. They influence your mood, energy, and concentration throughout the day, improve the quality of your sleep, and enable you to enjoy new activities—or return to those you once loved. These positive changes often reach beyond your own body, enhancing both personal and professional relationships.
I tested it all on myself. Today, I am the result of what truly works—and what doesn’t. These experiences led me to discover the profound impact of consistent, intelligent movement, complemented by lifestyle choices and balanced nutrition, all thoughtfully adapted to individual conditions. Together, they form the foundation of my approach and create a sustainable path to long-term health.
Since then, I have been committed to continuous education and growth, with the purpose of helping others who may be facing similar challenges—without clarity, direction, or progress—and who may feel lost, unsupported, or uncertain about how to move forward. With MOVÈM, my mission is to provide the clarity, understanding, and personalised approach I once needed, helping others move with confidence, resilience, and trust in their own bodies.
Ema Belfinger
Founder of MOVÈM